Skip to main content

Veterans' Benefits: VA Needs Death Information From Social Security to Avoid Erroneous Payments

HRD-90-110 Published: Jul 27, 1990. Publicly Released: Jul 27, 1990.
Jump To:
Skip to Highlights

Highlights

Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO determined whether the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) made substantial erroneous payments to the accounts of deceased beneficiaries under its compensation and pension programs.

Recommendations

Matter for Congressional Consideration

Matter Status Comments
To facilitate more complete and effective computer matching between VA benefit payment files and the SSA death file, Congress should authorize VA to require social security numbers of all veterans and their survivors as a condition of eligibility for VA compensation and pension benefits.
Closed – Implemented
Section 8053 of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990 required social security numbers as a prerequisite for receiving, or continuing to receive, compensation and pension benefits.

Recommendations for Executive Action

Agency Affected Recommendation Status
Department of Veterans Affairs The Secretary of Veterans Affairs should: (1) finalize arrangements to obtain access to and periodic updates of the SSA death file and unrestricted death certificate file; (2) match the files with VA benefit payment files; (3) carry out appropriate independent verification of matches; and (4) take prompt action to end erroneous payments.
Closed – Implemented
In May 1991, VA and SSA signed a memorandum of understanding for the exchange of death information. SSA sent the first tape containing unrestricted state death records to VA in July 1991, and will provide updated death information on a quarterly basis. VA will match the information with VA benefit payment files, independently verify matches, and end erroneous payments.
Department of Health and Human Services The Secretary of Health and Human Services should direct the Commissioner of Social Security to provide VA recurring access to the SSA death file and unrestricted death certificate file.
Closed – Implemented
In May 1991, VA and SSA signed a memorandum of understanding for the exchange of death information. SSA sent the first tape containing unrestricted state death records to VA in July 1991, and will provide updated death information on a quarterly basis.

Full Report

Office of Public Affairs

Topics

Employee survivors benefitsErroneous paymentsInteragency relationsOverpaymentsProposed legislationReporting requirementsSocial security numberVeterans benefitsVeterans disability compensationVeterans pensions